C3 Corvette Console Repair - Please Console Me

Shark Forward Fiber Optic Console Trim Refurbishment

Fiber optic light indicators were used on '68 thru '71 Corvettes and the forward fiber optic trim plate is made of chrome-plated pot metal with a satin black background. This trim plate houses the fiber optic indicators for the headlights and, like other black-and-chrome interior Corvette trim pieces will, in time, require either refurbishment or replacement. Replacing this piece will set you back a sizeable piece of change, but if you're willing to put in a little time and elbow grease, you can make your existing trim piece look as good as new for about $5.00.

I should also mention that the techniques shown and described here will also work for console shift plates, gauge bezels and other black-and-chrome pot metal interior parts. No special skills are required but patience and care are essential-attempts to rush this refurbishment will result in frustration and less-than-stellar results. That having been said, let's get into it.

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After having removed the shifter console from the car, invert it and remove the forward fiber optics trim plate retaining clips with a hemostat or needle-nose pliers.

Find a piece of scrap wood at least 12 inches long and 3 inches wide. Invert the removed trim plate on the wood and blacken the tips of both securing posts with a permanent black ink marker.

Flip the trim plate over and press the securing posts into the wood lightly to transfer the ink marks to the wood. Then use a 3/16-inch drill to bore holes about 1/2 inch into the wood at the post marks.

Insert the trim plate posts into the newly-bored holes. This wooden stand will serve to hold the trim plate steady and secure for the next steps.

I recommend using protective gloves and eye protection for the rest of the operations. Use a strong paint solvent (gasoline works well) and a disposable utility brush to thoroughly coat the black paint on the trim plate so that it loosens and, ultimately, washes away. You may have to repeat this procedure two or three times depending on the strength of the solvent you're using.

It may be necessary to use fine steel wool dipped in solvent to loosen and remove stubborn bits of paint in the corners. If you use steel wool, use it sparingly and with as little pressure as possible to lessen the chances of scratching the soft pot metal.

Here's what the naked trim plate looks like with all of the satin black paint removed. Be sure to let the trim plate dry thoroughly before proceeding further.

The Eastwood Company makes an excellent satin black wheel paint that is a perfect match for the GM factory trim paint's patina and lustre. The spray can trigger grip, also available from Eastwood, makes controlling the spray easier and more comfortable.

Give the entire trim plate 4-6 light coats of satin black after shaking the can thoroughly. Several light layers adhere to the chrome-plated pot metal much better than a couple of heavy coats and the light coats yield a more uniform finish.

A fine-grit sanding sponge is available at your local home center or neighborhood hardware store for under $2.00. This is what we'll use to remove paint from unwanted areas.

Start at one edge of the trim plate and gently-and I mean gently-pull the sponge across the trim plate with nothing more than the weight of your index finger as pressure on the sponge. It's OK to go over the same area several times if necessary-remember it is easier to remove unwanted paint from the high-relief areas gradually than to press hard and remove too much, making it necessary to start all over again from step 5.

You'll have to pay a little extra attention to the "right lamps" and "left lamps" lettering to clean them up nicely. Use the very corner tip of the sponge to gently work the tops of the letters until they look presentable.

When the face of the trim plate is finished, turn it on its side and work the outer edges all around to leave a fine, uniform line of chrome on the outline. Slow and steady here-you're almost home and you don't want to botch things up now.

Here's the finished trim plate looking pretty darned good. With the money you saved doing this refurbishment yourself you can order a couple of pizzas, get yourself a six-pack and a bunch of flowers for you know who. Go on and enjoy being a hero-you deserve it for a nice job well done.

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